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Google patent reveals new Android screen unlock mechanism

A new patent filing application by Google has given way to a number of enhancements it has planned for the Android lock screen.

Uncovered by Patenty Apple, the search giant plans to introduce a new spherical interface that enables users to execture a variety of tasks right from the lock screen.

Users can drag a dot inside a circle to various shortcuts in the circle to access messages, make a call or launch other applications.

Additionally, an alternative interface is being proposed that allows fandroids access to apps, messages and favourite contacts in a carousel-esque menu of sorts at the top of the screen. To make a call, for example, they need only to drag the person to the bottom of the screen.

The filing comes as Apple’s won a case against Motorola for allegedly copying of its ‘slide-to-unlock’ mechanism on iOS.

Apple has also been at loggerheads with Samsung over other UI disputes, as the two phone-makers battle for supremacy.

It’s unclear when the new lock screen will be implemented. It’s possible we might have to wait until the next major of iteration of Android, unofficially known as Jellybean, lands.

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